How many people buy the best equipment they can afford?

jhendrix · Aug 13, 2014

Maybe it sounds like a silly question.

As forum members, do you simply buy what you can afford or if you can afford more, do you settle for less?

My daughter is starting her sophomore year in high school next spring.

She plays soccer.

I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings.

I have a 7D. As the second half begins, always shooting around ISO 1600-3200 by the middle of the second half and 3200-6400 during the last 20 minutes. Using a Canon 70-200 2.8 v 2 with a 1.4 TC.

Are having her soccer memories preserved as images that look fantastic justifiable $$$ or is just OK good enough?

I can make a 7D ISO 3200 image look OK but that is about it. ISO 6400 is pretty much desperation. Sure you get something but not something to get excited about.

Anyone else been in this kind of situation?

diness · Aug 13, 2014

Have you considered the 5diii? I would think it would be a big step up and would be great for your needs.

Rexgig0 · Aug 13, 2014

I reckon it depends upon the size of your retirement savings, and weigh that against the importance of getting the shots now. A child grows to adulthood all too soon! I lament that I was not a photographer when my son was young.

The price of a 1D X would not seriously afftect the size of my retirement savings, but as I am nearing retirement, anyway, it seems to be best, in my personal situation, to wait until then to buy a top-tier pro camera body. My job saps my energy so badly, I rarely shoot during personal time, anyway. Bird/wildlife photography is part of my exit strategy, upon surrendering my badge, so a 1D X, or its sucessor, can be my retirement gift to myself. Your personal situation is different than mine!

You may, also, wish to consider whether a 5D Mark III would suffice. I cannot speak from experience, but its AF performance and low-light ability may be quite near that of the 1D X. DPR forum member hotdog321 is a photojournalist in my area, and he shoots with a pair of 5D Mark III cameras.

You may want to visit the Nikon SLR Lens section of these forums, and see the discussion regarding whether to purchase a Nikkor 200mm f/2 lens. A father, Twistacatz, is wondering whether such an expensive, but wonderful lens, is worth it, to record his bay daughter's childhood. Spoiler alert: He bought the lens!

--
I wear a badge and pistol, and make evidentiary images at night, which incorporates elements of portrait, macro, still life, landscape, architecture, and PJ. I enjoy using both Canons and Nikons.

stratobill · Aug 13, 2014

jhendrix said:
Maybe it sounds like a silly question.

As forum members, do you simply buy what you can afford or if you can afford more, do you settle for less?

My daughter is starting her sophomore year in high school next spring.

She plays soccer.

I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings.

I have a 7D. As the second half begins, always shooting around ISO 1600-3200 by the middle of the second half and 3200-6400 during the last 20 minutes. Using a Canon 70-200 2.8 v 2 with a 1.4 TC.

Are having her soccer memories preserved as images that look fantastic justifiable $$$ or is just OK good enough?

I can make a 7D ISO 3200 image look OK but that is about it. ISO 6400 is pretty much desperation. Sure you get something but not something to get excited about.

Anyone else been in this kind of situation?

1DX is a professional sports camera. If you feel that the importance of your daughter's games rises to that level, and you have the money, and can handle how big it is, and how everyone will look at you funny because you have such a huge camera, then go for it. BTW have you actually held on in your hands?

Any FF camera would be a step up in terms of ISO. The 5DIII is better at sports than the 6D, so it's one to look at. Keep in mind you will need a longer lens too.

In answer to your other question, yes, I can afford any camera mentioned, but the 6D was plenty for my needs, and no need to raid my retirement account. So no, I don't buy any camera I can afford, they are obsolete in 2-3 years anyway.

On the other hand, I usually do buy the best lenses i can afford, so long as they are not too big for travel.

jhendrix · Aug 13, 2014

stratobill said:
jhendrix said:

Maybe it sounds like a silly question.

As forum members, do you simply buy what you can afford or if you can afford more, do you settle for less?

My daughter is starting her sophomore year in high school next spring.

She plays soccer.

I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings.

I have a 7D. As the second half begins, always shooting around ISO 1600-3200 by the middle of the second half and 3200-6400 during the last 20 minutes. Using a Canon 70-200 2.8 v 2 with a 1.4 TC.

Are having her soccer memories preserved as images that look fantastic justifiable $$$ or is just OK good enough?

I can make a 7D ISO 3200 image look OK but that is about it. ISO 6400 is pretty much desperation. Sure you get something but not something to get excited about.

Anyone else been in this kind of situation?

Click to expand...

1DX is a professional sports camera. If you feel that the importance of your daughter's games rises to that level, and you have the money, and can handle how big it is, and how everyone will look at you funny because you have such a huge camera, then go for it. BTW have you actually held on in your hands?

Any FF camera would be a step up in terms of ISO. The 5DIII is better at sports than the 6D, so it's one to look at. Keep in mind you will need a longer lens too.

In answer to your other question, yes, I can afford any camera mentioned, but the 6D was plenty for my needs, and no need to raid my retirement account. So no, I don't buy any camera I can afford, they are obsolete in 2-3 years anyway.

On the other hand, I usually do buy the best lenses i can afford, so long as they are not too big for travel.

I've had the 1D and 1D mkIIn so camera size is not an issue. I figure after 3 years I could probably sell the camera at 1/2 the cost of what I pay for it now. Overall, not a big deal money wise.

May discuss this with my daughter since she is of the iPhone generation to see what is important to her.

Thanks for the comments so far.

jhendrix · Aug 13, 2014

Rexgig0 said:
I reckon it depends upon the size of your retirement savings, and weigh that against the importance of getting the shots now. A child grows to adulthood all too soon! I lament that I was not a photographer when my son was young.

The price of a 1D X would not seriously afftect the size of my retirement savings, but as I am nearing retirement, anyway, it seems to be best, in my personal situation, to wait until then to buy a top-tier pro camera body. My job saps my energy so badly, I rarely shoot during personal time, anyway. Bird/wildlife photography is part of my exit strategy, upon surrendering my badge, so a 1D X, or its sucessor, can be my retirement gift to myself. Your personal situation is different than mine!

You may, also, wish to consider whether a 5D Mark III would suffice. I cannot speak from experience, but its AF performance and low-light ability may be quite near that of the 1D X. DPR forum member hotdog321 is a photojournalist in my area, and he shoots with a pair of 5D Mark III cameras.

You may want to visit the Nikon SLR Lens section of these forums, and see the discussion regarding whether to purchase a Nikkor 200mm f/2 lens. A father, Twistacatz, is wondering whether such an expensive, but wonderful lens, is worth it, to record his bay daughter's childhood. Spoiler alert: He bought the lens!

--
I wear a badge and pistol, and make evidentiary images at night, which incorporates elements of portrait, macro, still life, landscape, architecture, and PJ. I enjoy using both Canons and Nikons.

I bought a EOS-300D and 300 f4 IS when my daughter was 4-1/2 -- she's now 15. Big expense back then but well worth it. Shot soccer with that combo for many years, till she started running faster!

Albert Silver · Aug 13, 2014

jhendrix said:
stratobill said:

jhendrix said:

Maybe it sounds like a silly question.

As forum members, do you simply buy what you can afford or if you can afford more, do you settle for less?

My daughter is starting her sophomore year in high school next spring.

She plays soccer.

I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings.

I have a 7D. As the second half begins, always shooting around ISO 1600-3200 by the middle of the second half and 3200-6400 during the last 20 minutes. Using a Canon 70-200 2.8 v 2 with a 1.4 TC.

Are having her soccer memories preserved as images that look fantastic justifiable $$$ or is just OK good enough?

I can make a 7D ISO 3200 image look OK but that is about it. ISO 6400 is pretty much desperation. Sure you get something but not something to get excited about.

Anyone else been in this kind of situation?

Click to expand...

1DX is a professional sports camera. If you feel that the importance of your daughter's games rises to that level, and you have the money, and can handle how big it is, and how everyone will look at you funny because you have such a huge camera, then go for it. BTW have you actually held on in your hands?

Any FF camera would be a step up in terms of ISO. The 5DIII is better at sports than the 6D, so it's one to look at. Keep in mind you will need a longer lens too.

In answer to your other question, yes, I can afford any camera mentioned, but the 6D was plenty for my needs, and no need to raid my retirement account. So no, I don't buy any camera I can afford, they are obsolete in 2-3 years anyway.

On the other hand, I usually do buy the best lenses i can afford, so long as they are not too big for travel.

Click to expand...

I've had the 1D and 1D mkIIn so camera size is not an issue. I figure after 3 years I could probably sell the camera at 1/2 the cost of what I pay for it now. Overall, not a big deal money wise.

May discuss this with my daughter since she is of the iPhone generation to see what is important to her.

Thanks for the comments so far.

If you can afford it, get the 5D3 and a fast lens like a 70-200. Your daughter is 15 per your words, and I have yet to see a 15-year-old who can appreciate looking back in 20 years time pics of their youth. Time flies, so take the pics, and enjoy watching them, and taking them.

John Zeman · Aug 13, 2014

jhendrix said:
Maybe it sounds like a silly question.

As forum members, do you simply buy what you can afford or if you can afford more, do you settle for less?

I buy the best gear I can afford but I didn't used to be that way. Back in 2001 when I was ready to buy my very first digital camera I knew digital technology was changing rapidly at the time so I bought the cheapest point and shoot Kodak I could find, thinking I'd replace it in about two years. What I failed to take into consideration though, was how important the images would be that I'd take during those two years, images that included a trip to Las Vegas for my daughter's wedding. Oh at the time I the thought the images were great but two years later when I bought a much better camera, the images from that cheap Kodak became almost painful to look at in regards to quality.

So ever since then I've purchased the best gear I can afford, even pushing the limit a few times. But I have no regrets at all because the memories my photos rekindle in me are worth more than all the money in the world.

Now of course today's digital cameras are vastly superior to my first one in every way, but for me the principal is the same, I want the best results so I get the best equipment.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the gear makes the photographer, knowledge and skills do, but having top quality equipment to work with sure helps.

jhendrix · Aug 13, 2014

John Zeman said:
jhendrix said:

Maybe it sounds like a silly question.

As forum members, do you simply buy what you can afford or if you can afford more, do you settle for less?

Click to expand...

I buy the best gear I can afford but I didn't used to be that way. Back in 2001 when I was ready to buy my very first digital camera I knew digital technology was changing rapidly at the time so I bought the cheapest point and shoot Kodak I could find, thinking I'd replace it in about two years. What I failed to take into consideration though, was how important the images would be that I'd take during those two years, images that included a trip to Las Vegas for my daughter's wedding. Oh at the time I the thought the images were great but two years later when I bought a much better camera, the images from that cheap Kodak became almost painful to look at in regards to quality.

So ever since then I've purchased the best gear I can afford, even pushing the limit a few times. But I have no regrets at all because the memories my photos rekindle in me are worth more than all the money in the world.

Now of course today's digital cameras are vastly superior to my first one in every way, but for me the principal is the same, I want the best results so I get the best equipment.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the gear makes the photographer, knowledge and skills do, but having top quality equipment to work with sure helps.

Good post.

If one is trying to shoot night soccer in a dimly lit stadium, you pretty much have to spend the money to get decent images.

Scott Larson · Aug 13, 2014

jhendrix said:
Good post.

If one is trying to shoot night soccer in a dimly lit stadium, you pretty much have to spend the money to get decent images.

And if you don't, you'll be tortured by great shots that aren't in focus.

I think this is especially a problem with soccer. There are only so many shots in a game and far fewer goals. That translates to fewer opportunities to get a shot of your daughter that you can really be proud of.

Scott Larson · Aug 13, 2014

jhendrix said:
Good post.

If one is trying to shoot night soccer in a dimly lit stadium, you pretty much have to spend the money to get decent images.

And if you don't, you'll be tortured by shots that are out of focus but would have been perfect.

I think this is especially difficult with soccer. There are only so many shots and far fewer goals. This translates into fewer opportunities to get a great shot of your daughter scoring or making a save.

pkoenig2001 · Aug 13, 2014

"I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings. ״

Respectfully, it sounds to me that if you need to justify taking from your retirement savings then maybe you cannot really afford it and should find a cheaper alternative (5diii, used 1d iii) ?

I would not think one needs a 1dx for personal soccer shots of your child. Years ago I used a D60 and 70-300 is to do same and have some precious though not pro quality shots.

Just another point of view.

Have fun and good luck however you decide.

Phil

Dimes · Aug 13, 2014

pkoenig2001 said:
"I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings. ״

Respectfully, it sounds to me that if you need to justify taking from your retirement savings then maybe you cannot really afford it and should find a cheaper alternative (5diii, used 1d iii) ?

I would not think one needs a 1dx for personal soccer shots of your child. Years ago I used a D60 and 70-300 is to do same and have some precious though not pro quality shots.

Just another point of view.

Have fun and good luck however you decide.

Phil

whvick · Aug 13, 2014

pkoenig2001 said:
"I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings. ״

Respectfully, it sounds to me that if you need to justify taking from your retirement savings then maybe you cannot really afford it and should find a cheaper alternative (5diii, used 1d iii) ?

I would not think one needs a 1dx for personal soccer shots of your child. Years ago I used a D60 and 70-300 is to do same and have some precious though not pro quality shots.

Just another point of view.

Have fun and good luck however you decide.

Phil

aftab · Aug 13, 2014

Yep, I go for the best I can afford. For me it was 5DIII.

In Canon line up three cameras currently offer best IQ, and up to ISO6400 they are pretty much same, they are 6D, 5DIII and 1DX. For your need it has to be between 1DX and 5DIII. 1DX will give you slightly better AF and faster frame rate, but IQ will be the same.

7DII might be on the horizon. So, waiting till September is another option.

NancyP · Aug 13, 2014

Only you can make that decision. I would wait until the "7D2" is announced at Photokina a month from now. The other possibility, if you have patience and a powerful computer, is to use a much much cheaper high power noise reduction program with your existing 7D. I have seen some jaw-dropping stuff from the stronger of the two noise reduction options in the DXO RAW converter.

CameraCarl · Aug 13, 2014

jhendrix said:
I'm trying to justify getting a 1DX by taking money out of my retirement savings.

I always buy the best equipment that I can afford, but if you are so low on funds that you have to raid your retirement account to buy a camera, then you clearly can not afford it. The financial experts say that you should never dip into retirement accounts except in the case of a dire emergency: not for your kid's college, not for a new house, and by implication definitely not for a new camera. For heaven's sake you have a 7D which is better than any pro camera from five years ago. There is no way you could benefit from the fancy new camera as much as you will be able to benefit from $67000 20 years from now.

Jim Cassatt · Aug 13, 2014

To echo what a couple of others have said. I am retired and can afford to buy what I want. However, the reason I am in that situation was that I did not raid my retirement account to pay for equipment. Remember every dollar spent now is magnified by retirement.

Even in my retirement, I have decided that I should make this hobby pay for itself. So I do a few portraits and headshots, enough to make over $100 per week. That makes $5,000 a year which is a good sum to pay for equipment. Other advantages are that I keep in contact with people, and I can write off some of my equipment on my tax return.

So much for the sermon. As others have recommended, I think that you will find the 5D MKIII more that adequate. However, you seem to be stretching the focal length of your lens. Divide your longest focal length by 1.6 and you may need more. The 7D is due for an upgrade, so you might consider waiting.

Finally below is a picture taken with my 5D MKIII at ISO 6400, no NR.

--
Jim

Galleries by Jim Cassatt

www.pbase.com

Kmccarthy · Aug 13, 2014

My opinion: Buy a 5DIII. It will be a HUGE upgrade over the 7D and will cost less than half the price of a 1DX. The 5DIII AF is much more accurate than the 7D (at least that was my experience). Noise levels are also dramatically better. My 7D used to show a lot of noise, even in blue skies. I couldn't be happier with the 5DIII.

The other option is to wait until the 7DII comes out in a few weeks. It may have some interesting new features.

jcochran · Aug 13, 2014

In no way would I tap a retirement account to buy expensive equipment. I was in a similar situation several years ago when my grandson was playing High School soccer. I couldn't afford a 7D so I bought a Rebel T1i and a 55-250 lens. I stuck strictly to daylight games after trying evening games with very little success. People with better cameras and lenses also had very little success under the lights. I think you have to limit your photo opportunities to what your equipment can handle and give you good images. While you would like to have as many wonderful memories as possible, you will be setting a good example to you children by making a responsible decision. Below are some sample photos I took with T1i and 55-250. I think your 7D can probably do better.

If you go to the Sports section of my Smugmug website you can see some examples of a night game shot with the T1i. You can also see what a 5D Mark III with a 70 -300 L can do at a little league baseball game.

--

jimages

Name: jim cochran Occupation: Retired Physics & Chemistry Teacher Cameras: Canon EOS M, Canon EOS M5, Canon RP, Fuji X100V Lenses: EF 50mm f1.4, EF 100mm macro f2.8, EF 50mm macro f2.5, EF 35mm f/2.0, EF 17-40 F/4 L, EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake, EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L, EF-M 22mm f/2.0, EF 85mm...

jimages.smugmug.com

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